This second round County Cup match drew two potential winners together. One from the Middlesex County League {Marsh} and one from the London Commercial League {HFC} . Both having good seasons in their leagues, and looking for a good cup run.
The first half was tactically nullified with both sides having chances, and both defences on top. Although bright, it was a very windy afternoon with outbursts of rain. Not easy to play good football in . With both sides even it looked from early on as if extra time, and perhaps even penalties would be needed. Somebody had to try something.
Half time came, and it was 0 - 0, not surprisingly. Dave Campbell took the chance and made a few minor amendments. Would they tell? They certainly would !! Within one minute Marsh were ahead. The ball was played into the HFC area, where JACK BIGWOOD chiped the ball over the goalkeeper and nodded home for the opening goal. Marsh then eased up and within the next few minutes allowed HFC to breakaway and slot the ball home for the equaliser. It was now HFC’s turn to sleep, and a free kick by Tommy Edwards was forced home by DANIEL LOBJOIT. Marsh Rangers F.C. now took command. Craig Drew and his defence tightened up and looked solid, whilst keeper Spencer Brown became in totally unbeatable mode which included an unbelievable double save. This appeared to unsettle HFC and Marsh took complete control. Alex Henderson began to control the wing, and now began to run riot down it. He turned whoever HFC put on him inside out before racing down the wing and supplying superbly weighted crosses into the HFC area. HFC tried to mark him but with Alex being watched Jonny Wiggins was given a little more room to attack down the other wing. One such run by Alex Henderson led to him spraying the ball into the HFC area where it was met by JACK BIGWOOD who again made no error in his finishing. This combination combined again to score what should have been his hat trick but for some reason the Referee ruled it out. With only about 15 minutes remaining MAT MONHON finished off some more good wing play for number 4. Match over.
Marsh are through to the 1/4 final on Jan 16th 2010, at home to Bedfont Sports Reserves who beat Sandgate 2 - 1.
Reported by Clive Goodman.